People with psoriasis can also develop associated arthritis. This inflammatory condition affects their joints, causing swelling and stiffness. Psoriatic arthritis can be pretty painful, affecting a person’s quality of life.
Read on to find out about a new breakthrough therapy.
Biologic Therapies
An immune treatment known as biologic therapy has offered some relief for those dealing with psoriatic arthritis. Although this treatment can be highly effective, it’s also challenging to find the right protocol for everyone. The key to finding the appropriate regimen is understanding the specific components of the immune system that are involved in inflammation.
Treatment Delivery
Biologic therapy uses disease-modified antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to combat psoriatic arthritis. These drugs are introduced into the body using several different methods.
Those with psoriatic arthritis can use specially designed self-injectable pens to inject the medication into their bodies. They could also use pre-filled syringes loaded with the appropriate dosage. Infusions can be intravenously delivered to the patients in a doctor’s office or hospital.
Risk Factors
Some biologic therapy drugs can suppress the immune system, increasing the risk of picking up common infections. These could include pneumonia, skin ailments, and urinary tract infections. Accompanying the treatment with antibiotics or vaccine shots can lower the risk of developing secondary conditions.
Possible Complications
The DMARDs medication can cause an infusion reaction. This may show up as nausea, shortness of breath, fever, changes in blood pressure, and other symptoms. To lower the chances of developing this reaction, patients are screened before treatment and monitored throughout the process. They are also pre-medicated to reduce the risk of an infusion reaction.
Biologic therapy can worsen certain conditions, including congestive heart failure. It can also increase cancer risk and cause liver problems and Crohn’s Disease.
Consult Your Doctor
Biologic therapy is effective in battling psoriatic arthritis. However, before commencing the treatment, it’s essential to consider all the risk factors.
